Sometimes I find it interesting to think about how quickly new names appear in esports. Just a few years ago, many of these players were simply grinding in pubs or academy teams, and now they’re already on big stages, building their own fanbases. In every discipline — whether it’s CS2, Dota 2, or League of Legends — there are always players who are just about to break into the elite.
It’s not only the level of play that’s changing, but also the approach to preparation work with psychologists, and strategies. And I want to take a look at who among the younger players is closest to becoming the next legend.
In the CS scene, young blood always brings a fresh approach to the game. New players enter with different takes on mechanics, shooting, positioning — and most importantly, a level of composure that people often don’t expect from them. Personally, I’m especially interested in Mikhail donk Shviryov from Team Spirit. He’s 18, but has already firmly established himself as one of the strongest players in the world. Donk consistently shows a very high individual level: explosive highlights, an aggressive style, excellent timing, and phenomenal clutch play. Spirit’s victory at IEM Katowice 2024 and their results at other major tournaments have proven that Donk isn’t just a hype name — he’s a full-fledged team leader around whom a tier-1 lineup is built.
At the same time, new names are starting to emerge and may soon break onto the main stage. One of them is Kyosuke from Team Spirit Academy. While he’s still playing mostly in the academy league, you can already see real potential in his game to make the jump to the main roster. Great aim, strong game sense, and the ability to adapt quickly to opponents make him one of the top candidates to strengthen Spirit’s core lineup in the near future. If his development continues at the same pace, he could be one of the breakout players on the tier-1 scene within a year or two.
The growing interest in these young players is felt not only among the audience but also in the betting market. With every new tournament, fresh talents attract more attention from both fans and analysts. Teams constantly reshuffle their rosters to secure rising stars before their value skyrockets. This dynamic directly affects odds and predictions. That’s why platforms like https://egamersworld.com/counterstrike/betting/csgo-gambling-sites closely monitor the performances of upcoming players and teams. In matches where young talents take the stage, odds often shift dramatically due to the unpredictability of form and the potential for sudden breakthroughs — both positive and negative. For bettors and analysts alike, following these new faces has become a separate layer of the CS2 scene.
In League of Legends, new names constantly appear, but few manage to stay at the top. Kim Zeus Woo-je is one who has. At 21, he’s been playing at a high level for years. After leaving T1, he joined Hanwha Life Esports and quickly became a core part of the roster. Zeus smoothly adapted to meta changes, consistently winning lane without taking unnecessary risks. He rarely makes mistakes, picks the right moments for aggression, and stays reliable in teamfights — even against top-tier opponents. Players like him become the backbone of teams aiming for long-term success.
On the mid lane, Jeong Chovy Ji-hoon remains one of the best. Gen.G has played around him for years. He controls his lane, builds early advantages, and rarely gives up space. Even when the team struggles, Chovy stays consistent. He’s often compared to Faker — not just because they’re both Korean, but for his dominance. Faker thrived in clutch moments; Chovy avoids them entirely, keeping full control from start to finish. His precision and consistency define his strength.
In Dota 2, it’s not easy for young players to break into the tier-1 level right away, but some have already managed to do it. One of them is Ilya Kiritych Ulyanov. He began his professional career in 2020 with SMARACIS Esports, and then spent nearly two years playing for Nemiga Gaming. In 2023, he moved to Virtus.pro, where he spent two full seasons. During this time, Kiritych proved himself as a stable carry: strong laning, reliable play in long matches, and the ability to adapt to different drafts. He has worked his way up from local CIS leagues to major international tournaments and has already become one of the strongest carries in Eastern Europe.
Another bright representative of the new generation is Alan Satanic Gallyamov. Born in 2007, he started his professional career in 2023 with Yellow Submarine. Even back then, his game stood out — solid laning and an aggressive playstyle helped him quickly rise above his peers. In September 2024, he signed with Team Spirit, and in January 2025, he was loaned out to PARIVISION, where he continues to develop at a high level. Right now, his career is being closely followed not only in the CIS but internationally as well — he’s already considered one of the most promising young players on the scene.
Valorant has been rapidly building its own generation of young stars who are already making an impact on the international scene. One of the brightest examples is Max “Demon1” Mazanov from Evil Geniuses. His breakout performance at VCT 2023 and consistent play since then have turned him into one of the most feared duelists in the game. Demon1 combines sharp aim, strong positioning, and smart decision-making, allowing him to dominate opponents even under tournament pressure.
Another rising name is Max “Kamyk” Rychlewski from Team Heretics. While still developing, Kamyk has already shown strong performances in high-level matches and continues to adapt quickly to the evolving meta. His versatility on multiple agents makes him a valuable asset for any roster trying to stay competitive as the game’s meta constantly shifts.
As Valorant continues to grow, it’s clear that this new wave of players isn’t just filling spots — they’re setting new standards for mechanics, team coordination, and tactical flexibility. And as always in esports, it’s these young, hungry players who push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Every generation in esports brings its own names and styles. Some rise to the top instantly, others grow gradually — but even now it’s clear that players like Donk, Berserker, dyrachyo, and other young talents have the potential to become the legends of the scene in just a few years. The industry never stands still — it constantly evolves, and that’s where its main appeal lies.
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